World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901.
Today, Waikiki is a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality.
At legendary Waikiki Beach, a statue of Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you with open arms. Regarded as the "Father of modern surfing," Duke grew up and surfed in Waikiki during the turn of the century. Discovered as a swimming sensation, the prodigious Duke won Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle in 1912 and 1920. The amiable Duke later went on to act in Hollywood and used his fame to spread the popularity of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world.
From Hawaiian royalty to Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Waikiki continues to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha. On these famous shores, the past and the future are uniting in fresh and surprising ways.
Look forward to
Water Activities
Begin your visit by strolling along Waikiki's beautiful beaches. Stretching from Duke Kahanamoku Beach near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kuhio Beach and beyond, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take your first surfing lesson or group canoe ride.
Who knows, you may even get a surf or canoe lesson from one of the real Waikiki Beach Boys, instructors who come from a long line of watermen taught by Duke Kahanamoku himself.
Land Activities
After a day at the beach, explore Waikiki by foot, bike, or even rented moped. Learn how to strum an ukulele or dance the hula at the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is undergoing an exciting renovation. Picnic with the family in Kapiolani Park then visit the Honolulu Zoo across the street. Or venture beyond Waikiki to Pearl Harbor or the North Shore to get the most out of your stay on Oahu.
SPAs
After a day in the surf visit a Waikiki spa to relax and unwind. With some of the finest hotels and resorts on Oahu, Waikiki's excellent spas offer lomilomi massage and other relaxing treatments unique to the islands.
Bars & Restaurants
As the sun sets, explore Waikiki's lively restaurant, bar, and nightlife scene in places like the new Waikiki Beach Walk. Before you know it, the sun will rise over Waikiki again, marking a fresh new day of fun and activity.
Contact & location
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
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The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
General
World-famous Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901.
Today, Waikiki is a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality.
At legendary Waikiki Beach, a statue of Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you with open arms. Regarded as the "Father of modern surfing," Duke grew up and surfed in Waikiki during the turn of the century. Discovered as a swimming sensation, the prodigious Duke won Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle in 1912 and 1920. The amiable Duke later went on to act in Hollywood and used his fame to spread the popularity of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world.
From Hawaiian royalty to Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Waikiki continues to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha. On these famous shores, the past and the future are uniting in fresh and surprising ways.
Look forward to
Water Activities Begin your visit by strolling along Waikiki's beautiful beaches. Stretching from Duke Kahanamoku Beach near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kuhio Beach and beyond, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take your first surfing lesson or group canoe ride. Who knows, you may even get a surf or canoe lesson from one of the real Waikiki Beach Boys, instructors who come from a long line of watermen taught by Duke Kahanamoku himself.
Land Activities After a day at the beach, explore Waikiki by foot, bike, or even rented moped. Learn how to strum an ukulele or dance the hula at the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is undergoing an exciting renovation. Picnic with the family in Kapiolani Park then visit the Honolulu Zoo across the street. Or venture beyond Waikiki to Pearl Harbor or the North Shore to get the most out of your stay on Oahu.
SPAs After a day in the surf visit a Waikiki spa to relax and unwind. With some of the finest hotels and resorts on Oahu, Waikiki's excellent spas offer lomilomi massage and other relaxing treatments unique to the islands.
Bars & Restaurants As the sun sets, explore Waikiki's lively restaurant, bar, and nightlife scene in places like the new Waikiki Beach Walk. Before you know it, the sun will rise over Waikiki again, marking a fresh new day of fun and activity.
Contact & location
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson, Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Joe Solem
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits